A Ladysmith soldier receives the silver star medal almost two years after his death in Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Patrick Lybert received the army's fourth highest honor for his heroism overseas, bringing lots of tears and lots of pride to his hometown.

It's a medal Staff Sgt. Patrick Lybert wasn't able to accept.

"If anyone deserves it, he does," says Daniel Linnihan, who served with Patrick.

It's a medal, those who served with him say is a long time coming. Linnihan was there when his friend died in the mountains of Afghanistan.

"I don't know how to describe it to this day,” he says. “It’s the worst experience of my life."

Wednesday, Patrick’s family and friends heard stories of that day; witness accounts read out loud, witness accounts describing a hero.

CSM John Vacho, whose son Nathan Vacho was also killed in action, read the accounts.

One soldier said "while looking for cover, I saw Sgt. Lybert who was returning fire. I watched as he engaged multiple targets. He was popping popping up and over the rock wall and engaging the enemy and ducking back down again."

Another said “before he returned fire, he looked over at Sgt. Lybert and he was returning fire when he received his fatal wound.”

CSM Vacho told the crowd “many said his weapon was still situated up in his shoulder."

"The medal is Patrick’s," Patrick’s Mother Cheryl Lee Patrick tells us.

It was Patrick’s mother who led her family up to receive his medal. It was his grandfather who accepted it; an army veteran himself who six years ago presented Patrick with his blue infantry cord when he graduated from basic training.

"It's a very well deserved medal. He earned it," says CPL Robert Patrick.

It's a medal that prompted tears. It’s one surrounded by hugs. It’s one well-deserved for this hero.

"It's recognition by his men for what they know he did and that means the most," Cheryl Lee Patrick says.

“For his heroism, his valor and how many people he saved by sticking his head out there on the line. He’s a good leader, good friend, and great soldier," says Linnihan.

Of the 120,000 soldiers who have served in Afghanistan, only 101 have received the silver star.